Matzo Balls And Chicken Soup
Warm, comforting chicken soup with tender matzo balls, infused with flavors from vegetables and herbs, perfect for cozy meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup rendered chicken fat or shortening, melted ⓘ
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- pinch of nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 large can Swanson chicken soup ⓘ
- 3 carrots, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- 1 small onion, quartered ⓘ
- a few sprigs parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine eggs, water, and melted chicken fat or shortening in a medium bowl.
- Stir in matzo meal, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter matzo balls, ensure you whip the egg whites separately before folding them into the mixture. If you don't have chicken fat, vegetable oil can be a good substitute. You can also add a bit of baking powder to the matzo ball mixture for extra fluffiness. Consider enhancing the chicken soup flavor with herbs like thyme or dill, which pair beautifully with this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the matzo balls in the steaming chicken soup, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color. Pair this comforting dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great starter before heartier dishes like Shrimp And Chicken Jambalaya, offering a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover matzo balls and chicken soup separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The matzo balls can absorb the soup, becoming mushy, so it’s best to keep them apart. Reheat the soup gently on the stove and add the matzo balls just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Matzo Balls And Chicken Soup contains roughly 506 calories, with 14g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (173% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1260mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make matzo balls ahead of time?
Yes, matzo balls can be prepared a day in advance. After chilling the mixture, you can form them and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just remember to cook them in the soup when you're ready to serve to keep them fresh and fluffy.
What can I use if I don't have matzo meal?
If matzo meal isn't available, you can substitute it with finely crushed saltines or bread crumbs. However, keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, so adjust the seasoning accordingly for the best results.
How do I prevent matzo balls from becoming too dense?
To avoid dense matzo balls, ensure not to overmix the batter. The key is to handle the mixture gently and allow it to rest in the refrigerator before cooking. This resting period helps create a lighter texture when cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).